TEST Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 29: the XC is the starting point

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Daniela Carson
5 years ago
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TEST Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 29: the XC is the starting point It makes a little 'hard to call it a full-suspension from Xc, because the Cannondale Scalpel seems to do everything to escape this

2 TEST Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 29: the XC is the starting point It makes a little 'hard to call it a full-suspension from Xc, because the Cannondale Scalpel seems to do everything to escape this definition. Or restriction, if you want. The first version (remember? Look at the photo below) was born with this goal, namely to give bikers a means of comfort and greater efficiency in the jeep. One of the earliest versions of the Cannondale Scalpel. Lefty was added to the originality of a rear suspension that took advantage of the decline of the carbon fiber to absorb the roughness of the ground. It was 2000.

3 The Cannondale Scalpel 29 today inherits many of the features of the first version though, of course, adapted to current market needs. Cannondale still called the Zero Pivot suspension, but only refers to seat stays which are called to flex a few mm to allow the proper functioning of the suspension. Gone are the 26 "wheels in favor of those 29". And the rest is all new and even taken from models of other extraction well (such as the Jekyll). The travel has arrived to 100 mm and the frame has become entirely carbon fiber abandoning several years ago to build carbon-aluminum (style Six-13) with a chemical-mechanical coupling between the two materials. In short, the last of the Scalpel demonstrates the maturity to compete in a sector that only in Italy has never had a strong following as other countries. We talk about the full from Xc-marathon. Maybe because this Scalpel is something more?

On the seat tube you notice the rubber plug for internal cable of any telescopic seatpost. The upper pivot is of the type ECS-Tc, ie making use of an axis passing through a diameter of 15 mm.

4 On the seat tube you notice the rubber plug for internal cable of any telescopic seatpost. The upper pivot is of the type ECS-Tc, ie making use of an axis passing through a diameter of 15 mm. Inspired by the "big sister" Jekyll From the carbon fiber used (the Ballistec Hi-Mod) adoption of the ECS-Tc (ie the upper pivot consists of a through-bolt 15 mm in diameter) the Scalpel has taken much from Jekyll. On the Carbon version 2, then, they proudly displayed a Lefty XLR with remote control hydraulic Full Sprint which also operates the rear shock and a crankset Cannondale Hollowgram is of fine workmanship.

5 Only compatible BB30 crankset Cannondale It is one of the strictest and read into production. Here crown with SRAM X-Sync by 32 teeth. In short, although it is not a proposal for a summit, the 29 Scalpel Carbon 2 has a display of respect. Geometry editable Simply move the thickness of 10 mm from one end of the head tube to change the dimensions of the geometry. What we have done, however, strictly in the workshop.

In this case the thickness is positioned on the upper end of the head tube.the steering angle is greater.

6 In the picture is highlighted in red the lower position of the thickness of 10 mm. In this way, the steering angle is reduced by about one degree. In this case the thickness is positioned on the upper end of the head tube.the steering angle is greater. In practice, taking the thickness on the top of the head tube, the angle is 71 for size M, which correspond to a steering angle of 73.5, a height from the ground of the central movement of 33.2 cm and un'interasse of

7 111.7 cm (measured). By moving the thickness at the other end you get a reduction of about one degree steering angle (70 ), less than a degree for the angle of the steering column, about 5 mm longer for the height of the bottom bracket and length of the wheelbase almost unchanged. This allows you to change significantly the character of the bike. From bike Xc-marathon super responsive bike-trail marathon more fun downhill. And it is in this case that you realize you want a telescopic seatpost on board. And that, incidentally, Cannondale on the seat tube has provided just one hole (covered with a rubber stopper) for the passage of the internal telescopic cable. That's why it is difficult to assign 29 Scalpel Carbon 2 single definition. From this perspective one can understand the size of the upper tube and its sinuous characteristic of the Scalpel. Attention to the choice of the size The stem Opi also integrates the steering tube and is available in various lengths. The thing to watch out for is the presence of the Lefty fork which effectively limits the minimum value of the length of the stem. Of series on the size M we find one of 100 mm and it will be difficult to fall below 90 mm. Which is why, when choosing the size of the Scalpel, you should pay attention to the length overall buoyancy in the saddle, not considering only measure the horizontal virtual, but also that of the stem. The system integration of stem-steerer-lefty fork creates a set very stiff and refined, but unfortunately limits

the possibilities for customization buoyancy. Being the Lefty fork dual crown is inevitable that you may create the risk of interference between fork and handlebar.

8 the possibilities for customization buoyancy. Being the Lefty fork dual crown is inevitable that you may create the risk of interference between fork and handlebar. Basically it's almost impossible to go below 90 mm in length to the stem. A detail to keep in mind when choosing the size. In the case of the test, on the advice of Cannondale Italy, has opted for an M size and stature of the undersigned is about 180 cm with a height of 74 cm saddle. Once in the saddle soon as you climb aboard, the first feeling with Lefty, as has been written here, is almost frightening. Despite happens quite frequently to test the Mtb Cannondale, every time it seems the first time. Fortunately, it is only the ' static impression.

This required to separate the right from the gearbox control, otherwise the inaccessibility of the thumb of the

9 After the first exit, however, we had to make some changes (reversible) to the handlebar, shifting much inward handlebar brake levers Magura MT6. This required to separate the right from the gearbox control, otherwise the inaccessibility of the thumb of the right hand. In this photo you can see that the gear is attached to the handlebar via a separate collar. This way you can keep the hand lever gear near the knob and brake lever away from the handle.

10 Much the same for the command Full Sprint: for better ergonomics positioned it between the brake lever and knob. Given the shape of the lever and, unfortunately, also their power anything but exaggerated, Magura levers are operated taking full advantage of the lever. In general, out of the box, this 29 Scalpel Carbon 2 has required a few adjustments. In one piece The command Full Sprint Rock Shox allows two adjustments of hydraulics suspension: blocked and active. In fact this makes the Scalpel much like a hardtail uphill, because the rear suspension stiffens almost completely. The fork maintains a bit 'of "game", but overall the feeling is that of being on a bike with no rear suspension. Reactive and ready to shoot.

The Lefty fork Xlr 100 29 A suspension monopivot, like that of the Scalpel, is often synonymous with pedaling efficiency is not very high and all the effects this bike is no exception.

11 The Lefty fork Xlr A suspension monopivot, like that of the Scalpel, is often synonymous with pedaling efficiency is not very high and all the effects this bike is no exception. This dawns pedaling on compact funds with active suspension: behind the phenomenon of "swinging" is rather evident. In part this is due to the remarkable sensitivity of the shock Rock Shox Monarch XX and partly, of course, is a congenital phenomenon of single pivot suspension.

12 Only 100 mm of travel but a lot of strength to the cart Scalpel. On dirt, however, this behavior is much less noticeable because the suspension absorbs bumps with precision small and medium, increasing the feeling of comfort. One of the merits of the suspension of the Scalpel, however, is its torsional rigidity and light weight: less pivot means less bearings and bearing less mean more weight and more torsional stiffness. And offroad riding with this bike you soon learn to appreciate the precision of the wagon, just like a scalpel. That, incidentally, is translated in English scalpel. 100 mm of travel is not easy 's right: to bring to bottom out the shock must really exaggerate.and yet not get there easily. This is due to the shape of the rear suspension whose elastic element is made from both the shock, both by lower carbon sleeves.

13 The seat stays flex a few mm to allow proper operation of the suspension, but increase sharply progressivity. The combination of the two leads, in essence, to an excess of progressivity of the suspension, which, if on the one hand makes it very difficult bottoming other hand makes little exploitable all 100 mm of travel. These makes the Scalpel perfect for long distances because the rear suspension is always very active in absorbing small and medium roughness, ie those that after hours and hours in the saddle more tired muscles. On the impacts of greater magnitude can count on considerable progressivity of the suspension, and this gives the feeling to be able to ask something more to Scalpel. Well over a simple bike Xc. A Lefty's very demanding aesthetic evaluation is very subjective, but certainly the Lefty is one of the most original forks that is sold, although it is not arrived yesterday on the market.

The new series of Lefty provides protection of the stem as shown in photo. The writer has got to try different versions of Lefty in the last year, as the Supermax of up to 160 mm of travel.

14 The new series of Lefty provides protection of the stem as shown in photo. The writer has got to try different versions of Lefty in the last year, as the Supermax of up to 160 mm of travel. The Lefty XLR is smaller, but no less capable, thanks to a big size of the frame in the area of the steering. To make the most of this fork needs a front wheel so torsional rigidity and for this purpose it is necessary that, first and foremost, is the circle to ensure this quality.

increase the final price, so the other increase steering precision in combination with Lefty.

15 100 mm of travel, lock-out hydraulic control and regulation of the rate of return. On two models of higher level Cannondale has provided circles Enve M50 that while it greatly increase the final price, so the other increase steering precision in combination with Lefty. By increasing the diameter of the hub flanges and his joke would gain accuracy driving? On paper it seems to

16 be yes. Trying this fork we came to think of a solution that, on paper, could ensure greater torsional rigidity: increase the diameter of the hub flanges (which would reduce the length of the beam and, therefore, possible drops) and more space between the flanges of them (leading to better camber angle of the rays in the optical comfort and torsional rigidity). The axis of the hub is the type Opi, One Piece Integration. This, however, may require a new design of the pin Opi of Lefty and probably a joke greater. On paper, though, seems a sensible speech. Driving downhill The Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 29 is a bike of great value that with some adjustment to the assembly of the series becomes a very versatile bike. Downhill knows to be precise and responsive, but not to the levels of a competition bike. There is in mind the comparison with the S-Works Epic, whose behavior downhill is definitely more nervous but also more challenging. The Scalpel is born for Xc, but looking good and using it we realize that, perhaps, not quite as Xc but rather by long distances. Obviously the situation is different if you opt for models or Carbon Black Inc Team whose construction brings lightness to higher levels.

Rear hub is not present the quick release. The hub is through-bolt 142 12.

17 Rear hub is not present the quick release. The hub is through-bolt After changing the steering angle, the leadership of the Scalpel has changed a lot and, according to the signed, the better from the perspective of a wider use. With a steering angle more open downhill improves stability, without losing too much reactivity, and this pushes the Scalpel to a different category of bikes, Marathon-trail as we have defined us. So more fun without losing efficiency. With the steering angle to 71, however, the bike is more nervous, more rapid and maybe less fun, but it goes back to being a bike more by Xc. So, is the rider to understand which personality pull out of the Scalpel and change the setting accordingly. The rear suspension keeps a very progressive behavior, which limits in some cases driving pleasure, but in an area Xc or even marathon still has its validity. What has not convinced us? In general the construction of the frame we have notes from moving while we have chosen to be different on the brakes for the Cannondale Carbon 2. Magura MT6, albeit with a disc 180 mm front, we were not convinced for performance in terms of power, ergonomic controls and feeling with the brake lever, always very spongy.

18 The brake lever Magura MT6. The combination with the hand lever of change has required some adjustment in order to continue the test. The behavior of the rear suspension is good as long as we talk about difficulties of small and medium-sized, but as soon as you level up you can not have the full support of 100 mm of travel reported by Cannondale. The handlebar position, even after removing the 3 thicknesses range from attack handlebar, always remains a bit 'too high. According to your personal preferences this may limit the feeling with the guidance and customization of the framework. There is no real protection for the chainstay: the impacts of the chain coming soon to scratch the surface finish of carbon fiber.

Finally, if you are loading your bike in the car, it is often necessary to remove the front

19 The presence of Lefty also imposes a minimum length of the stem to avoid interference between the handlebar and fork. Finally, if you are loading your bike in the car, it is often necessary to remove the front wheel and the subsequent assembly operation is often anything but quick. This is the angle from which the Scalpel most surprising: completely missing the right fork leg.

20 In conclusion... Among the full 29er to hike reduced and the double suspension Scalpel for years has a prominent place, not so much for its longevity as for the technical appeal that Cannondale are able to give this model. The lifetime warranty on the frame, the cost below the threshold of 5,000 ( 4,599 to be exact) with a montage of all respect, the originality of the project and components Cannondale Si and versatility make it a product of great interest. Although this version of Scalpel is now in production for three years (a period of time that the bike industry today is considered long) remains a current project and still valid. Original Link:

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